Nat Sciver-Brunt has been appointed as the new captain of the England Women’s cricket team, stepping into the role as she prepares to return from maternity leave. She succeeds Heather Knight, who parted ways with the captaincy following England’s challenging Ashes campaign in Australia, which ended 16-0 in the hosts’ favour.
Sciver-Brunt, a new mum to Theodore with her wife and former England bowler Katherine, is set to lead the team in their upcoming home series against West Indies and India. Since her debut in 2013, she has played for England 259 times across all formats, boasting impressive averages—including 46.47 in Tests and 45.91 in ODIs—whilst claiming 181 international wickets. She’s no stranger to the captaincy, having stepped up during Knight’s previous absences.
In a memorable instance at the T20 World Cup, Sciver-Brunt took charge mid-match after Knight suffered a calf injury. Despite the team’s disappointing field performance and subsequent loss to the West Indies, Sciver-Brunt has led England to nine victories in 12 matches, including notable outings in both T20Is and ODIs.
Sciver-Brunt also shone during the 2024-25 Ashes, emerging as England’s second-highest run-scorer behind Knight, trailing only Australia’s Beth Mooney overall. Her remarkable end to the WPL saw her top the runs chart with 523 runs, surpassing Ellyse Perry significantly, despite playing extra games.
Now back in familiar company, she will work alongside Charlotte Edwards, her former England teammate and recent coach at Mumbai Indians—a team with which Sciver-Brunt won two WPL titles under Edwards’ guidance. Edwards was appointed England Women’s head coach earlier this month, replacing Jon Lewis after the Ashes clean sweep.
“I’m really proud to take on the role of captain of the England Women’s team and it’s an honour to have been asked by Charlotte, someone I’ve always looked up to,” remarked Sciver-Brunt. “Ever since I made my England debut back in 2013, all I have wanted to do is help the team in every way that I can. I will try my best to lead this team to success, whilst empowering them to be the best version of themselves.”
The 2022 and 2023 ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year and two-time PCA Women’s Player of the Year is focused on fostering unity and success within the team. Sciver-Brunt expressed excitement about collaborating with Edwards, noting her inspirational dedication and passion for English women’s cricket.
Clare Connor, managing director of England Women, voiced her support: “We are delighted to have appointed Nat as England Women’s captain and I know she’s excited about the honour of leading the team during an unprecedented chapter in international women’s cricket.”
